For more than 50 years, the Claussens have been in the restaurant business. That chapter of the family history will come to an end on Oct. 14 when Julie Thompson officially sells Geno's Steakhouse in Wayne.
"In 1969 a friend of my Dad's, who owned Jerry's El Rancho at the junction of Highways 15 and 275 (15 miles south of Wayne) was killed in a car accident. Dad (Geno Claussen) bought the business from the family and he and my Mom (Jan) ran the 'Supper Club' as it was known," Julie said.
She and her three siblings helped in various ways as the family ran the business until the early 1980's. At that time Geno sold the building and it was eventually torn down.
"We came to Wayne and Dad bought Les's Steakhouse at the corner of Second and Pearl Streets in 1985. It included a steakhouse and apartments on the back side. During a remodeling project in 1991, the building caught fire and burned," Julie said.
At that time Geno bought the property at the corner of First and Pearl Streets.
"Dad bought what was Merchant Oil from Grant Ellingson and remodeled it into the restaurant it is today," Julie said.
Throughout the years Geno's Steakhouse has been known for several signature menu items, including onion rings and one of Julie's favorite items to prepare, tomato salad.
"Mom was a big part of the restaurant business throughout the years. She worked side-by-side with Dad in all the locations," Julie said.
In 1999 Geno wanted to retire from the business so Julie purchased it and has been the owner since that time.
"During the years there have been lots and lots of parties here. January is generally a big month for Christmas parties. We have had up to 40 Christmas parties in one season," Julie said.
She also remembers hosting many Abu Bekr Shriners meetings at Geno's and said the group "has been awesome to work with."
Without having a restaurant to run, Julie said she has plans to travel.
She has five children - one in Laurel, two in Omaha, one in Kansas City and one in Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition, she has five grandchildren.
"I have a daughter in Salt Lake City that I plan to visit and I want to be able to just get in the car and go," she said.
Julie said she has no plans to leave Wayne and enjoys her surroundings here.
"I will miss the customers I have had a chance to get to know. I would like to thank all the loyal customers who have come to Geno's and all the loyal help that I have worked with through the years," she said.
Moving forward, the business has been purchased by Steve and Brittany Webber. They will take ownership on Oct. 20 and plan to keep the Geno's Steakhouse name.
"During the time my family has been in the restaurant business, the whole family - both my brothers and sister and my children - have been part of the business in one way or another. I will miss it, but it is time to move on to another chapter in my life," Julie said.
